Metamorph Group ordered to pay £570,000
By Law News
Pearson Solicitors secures victory for 70 claimants against Metamorph Group, winning a £570,000 Protective Award for redundancy breaches
In a significant legal victory, Employment Partner and Solicitor Alan Lewis at Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers has successfully secured a judgment against Metamorph Group Services Ltd ("MGSL"). The Employment Tribunal ruled in favour of 70 claimants, making a Protective Award valued at approximately £570,000.
Metamorph Group Services Ltd, a service company catering to various law firms, faced closure by the Solicitors Regulation Authority ("SRA") in December 2022. The company provided essential services such as marketing, compliance, IT, finance, and HR to all law firms within the group.
The Tribunal's ruling stems from the lack of consultation and advanced notice provided to the claimants when, on 29 November 2022, they were informed of MGSL's voluntary liquidation. The majority of employees were immediately terminated, with no collective informing or consultation, breaching section 188 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 ("TULRCA").
Alan Lewis, who led the claims, emphasized the significance of proper redundancy procedures. He expressed satisfaction with the judgment, stating, "This is a real triumph for the claimants, and on a personal level, it is particularly satisfying as many of the claimants are former colleagues of mine who were employed to support Linder Myers Solicitors, one of the numerous law firm brands that collapsed as part of the group."
Following the judgment, Pearson's Protective Award Claim team is actively working to ensure that each claimant receives the portion of their award guaranteed by the government's Redundancy Payments Service.
Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers, a leading law firm in the North West, have roots tracing back to 1874. Recognized for their excellence, the firm received the Supporting Young People award at the 2023 Oldham Business Awards and was acknowledged as a 'Leading Law Firm' by The Legal 500 directory.
With offices in North Manchester, including Oldham, Hollinwood, and Failsworth, Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers offer a comprehensive range of legal and financial services to both private and commercial clients. The firm's evolution, marked by an ABS status in 2013, reflects its commitment to growth and adaptability in the dynamic legal landscape.